Community Resources

Support in Spanish

If you are a parent or other relative seeking help for a loved one, please contact Ramona Winner, Family Advocate, at 805-884-8440, extension 3206.

Coordinated Entry Program Helps People Find Housing

The Coordinated Entry Program is a housing resource for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness Several entry points with walk-in hours are available in Santa Barbara at PATH, Salvation Army-Hospitality House and for Veterans at the Veteran’s Memorial Building. These are resource centers for obtaining housing and other needed resources. Regional Entry Points have limited walk-in hours available. Walk-in appointments are available on a first come, first served basis. There is an initial assessment of severity of housing need. Contact PATH, Salvation Army, or Veterans Memorial Building for additional information.

The Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program provides court ordered outpatient treatment for adults living with a serious mental illness who are experiencing repeated crisis events and refuse to engage in treatment on a voluntary basis. Among the many positive features of the AOT program are that of an extended program of gentle engagement of folks wherever they are. Measured engagement data shows that two-fifths of people referred to AOT (42%) have accepted voluntary treatment and have not needed court interventions. Families have provided 64% of referrals to this excellent resource, per the recent annual report. To inquire, contact the Access Line 888-868-1649 and ask for the AOT program.

Loaner Copies of DVD on Trauma Recovery Available

If you missed the September NAMI Speaker's Meeting at which Academy Award-winning film maker Margaret Lazerus screened her short documentary, “Strong at the Broken Places: Recovery after Trauma,” she has graciously donated two copies of the DVD to NAMI Southern Santa Barbara County, and they are available for viewing on short-term loan. The film describes how four individuals, each having suffered devastating, traumatic events, found a path forward to recovery from the trauma. Since many people living with serious mental illness also have a history of trauma, this film is a must-see for anyone with lived experience or having a family member with lived experience. To borrow a copy of the DVD for home viewing, contact Ramona Winner, Family Advocate, at 884-8440 ext. 3206, rwinner@mentalwellnesscenter.org

NAMI Santa Barbara

The mission of NAMI Ventura County is to provide emotional support, education and resources for families affected by mental illness. Through community collaboration and education, we advocate for a life of quality and dignity—one without discrimination—for all people affected by this illness.